WANNA PLAY? - THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS

Written on the 5 April 2016 by Melva Stone

Much has been written and debated on how the tech age is creating a disconnect among us.  In this age of "information overload" some would argue we have more information and less wisdom than ever before. Is there a need to focus on "breaking down walls" between colleagues?  Talking, instead of sending emails and text messages?  And developing teams with  "human" connections?

Enter the new Broome business Wanna Play?- established in early 2015 by a self-confessed Professional Big Kid, Wayne Glendenning. After a successful first year focusing on the youth market gap Wayne says that this has "left him in good stead to expand into the business of mature aged markets."

From years of experience in the hotel and business management arenas including the Intercontinental and Rendezvous Hotel Groups, Wayne has seen the use of play and games in the corporate world as a very effective way of developing an effective team and work environment.

"There are so many outcomes from Team Workshops says Wayne - from the basic team bonding, developing leadership skills, through to learning and understanding emotional intelligence, team dynamics and so forth. It's all up to what the business wants out of it, but it will always be positive."

For generations games have been used to teach concepts, skills and knowledge.  Think Monopoly and math, Scrabble and spelling, Mastermind and strategy, the list goes on.  Games are challenging, interesting and engaging and use multiple intelligences for learning such as logic, interpersonal and linguistics.

"Play-based learning is not a new thing, of course, but I am surprised it is not already available for businesses up here in Broome and the Kimberley," Says Wayne.

Information received from Jo Loudon, Editor and Communications Manager for the Australian Institute of Training and Development also confirmed that play within training, particularly calling on creative skills, has a very serious role to play.

Play and gaming also works for multigenerational workforces and at a time in our history when we are encouraging older people to stay at work, this "old but new" way of developing teams in the workplace is very timely.

Wanna Play?  will be releasing their Team Workshop offerings in May this year.

Melva Stone OAM